Terrifying dashcam footage has emerged showing a white SUV driving off a collapsed bridge and plummeting into a crater below in Heilongjiang province, China.
The shocking incident occurred during heavy rain and floods brought on by Typhoon Doksuri, which has wreaked havoc across the region, affecting millions of people, Daily Mail reported.
Terrifying Moment SUV Plunges off Collapsed Bridge Amid Typhoon Doksuri
The video captures the harrowing moment the car smashed into the bank on the other side before rolling onto its side. Fortunately, a team of helpful onlookers rushed to the scene to assist in the recovery efforts. The disaster highlights the pressing need for enhanced disaster defense capabilities in the face of intensifying extreme weather events caused by climate change.
The dashcam video shows a white SUV overtaking another vehicle before tragically driving off the collapsed bridge, which was severely damaged by heavy rains and floods. As the car plunged into the crater below, it collided with the bank on the other side before coming to rest on its side.
Onlookers nearby quickly rushed to the scene to help rescue the passengers and recover the vehicle. The video also reveals another car submerged at the bottom of the murky pit, indicating the extent of the destruction caused by the freak weather conditions, as per CNN.
Crisis in China: Typhoon Doksuri Devastates Live
China is currently facing a national crisis as Typhoon Doksuri has caused widespread devastation, destroying livelihoods and critical infrastructure.
Officials have warned that it could take up to a month for the floodwaters to recede in some areas. More than a million people have been displaced in Hebei province alone as a result of the catastrophic storm.
The torrential rain from the remnants of Typhoon Doksuri caused heavy flooding that stranded residents, washed away bridges and highways, and tragically resulted in the loss of at least 22 lives.
The recent typhoon brought Beijing its heaviest rainfall in 140 years, putting the region's ability to deal with extreme weather to the test. Experts warn that extreme weather events will become more frequent with climate change, necessitating comprehensive disaster defense measures.
The displaced residents in Hebei have been relocated to makeshift shelters in hotels and schools, where donations and community efforts are being made to support those affected by the calamity. Northern China, situated within the Haihe river basin, faces specific challenges in dealing with severe rain and flash floods.
The region is home to five converging rivers and the largest river system in northern China, covering a vast area of 265,000 square kilometers. The terrain's geographical characteristics, with higher elevations in the west and lower in the east, lead to rainfall accumulation on the western side of the North China Plain, where Hebei, Tianjin, and Beijing are located.
Proper drainage design standards and improved flood prevention measures are essential to mitigate the impact of climate change-induced extreme weather events, according to Fox News.
Related Article: At Least 20 Dead, 27 Others Missing in China After Massive Flooding from Days of Heaviest Rain in Last Decade
